The fact that Slurp - one of the most established online retailers - has gone into administration is a bit of a reminder to the industry that even those who are seemingly doing things by the book are not exempt from failure.

Cab is King - it was with that assertion that André van Rensburg, winemaker at South Africa's prestige estate Vergelegen, invited sommeliers and journalists to taste a vertical of his flagship wine "V" and seven barrel samples of 2012 wines that could - potentially - end up in the blend for the 2012 "V".

Drinks industry charity The Benevolent hopes to double the number of people it can help by 2017 by offering training and skills bursaries to the trade, as well as looking after people when they fall on hard times.

Australian producer McWilliam's Wine has appointed Stevens Garnier as its new UK agent, to represent its premium range of brands including Evans & Tate from Margaret River, Brand's Laira from Coonawarra and Mount Pleasant from the Hunter Valley.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has said the duty escalator is the biggest factor contributing to UK consumers paying 43% more for alcohol than other EU countries, the fourth highest prices for alcohol in the EU.

Both large and small online retailers need to rethink their sales models to appeal to a very different type of consumer, according to new research revealed at last week's Vinexpo exhibition in Bordeaux.